BABA(US:BABA) Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-09-20 14:14Core Viewpoint - Alibaba's Taobao Flash has quietly launched an "in-store group buying" service, expanding its local lifestyle offerings amidst fierce competition in the market [1][2]. Group 1: Business Development - The "in-store group buying" service has been launched in key commercial areas of Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Jiaxing, covering various food categories such as beverages, desserts, and local specialties [1][2]. - This move is seen as a natural progression in Alibaba's business development, enhancing the functionality of the Taobao app and filling a crucial gap in its local lifestyle segment [1][2]. Group 2: Market Context - The local lifestyle market is highly competitive, with Alibaba's actions intensifying the existing rivalry [1][3]. - Other players like Meituan and Douyin have already established a presence in the "in-store group buying" space, indicating a challenging environment for Alibaba [5][6]. Group 3: Strategic Insights - Experts suggest that Alibaba's integration of payment systems through Alipay, along with its established platforms like Gaode Map and Taobao Live, provides a competitive edge in the "in-store group buying" market [6][3]. - The rapid growth of Taobao Flash is expected to facilitate the quick rollout of the new service, leveraging abundant traffic to attract customers [6][3]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Alibaba's strategic direction is becoming clearer, with recent organizational changes aimed at transforming from an e-commerce platform to a comprehensive consumer platform [6][7]. - The company's first-quarter financial results indicate significant growth in its instant retail business, suggesting a positive trajectory for its new initiatives [6][7].